The Prime Minister said: “Mitzvah Day is a day of service, uniting thousands of people from different faiths and backgrounds to do good in support of those in need. No matter the challenges we face, and no matter what our differences may be, we are always stronger together – and I am incredibly inspired by the volunteers taking part.”
22/11/2024. London, United Kingdom. Prime minister Keir Starmer signs Mitzvah card in 10 Downing Street, alongside Mitzvah Day founder Laura Marks (Photo: Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street)Simon Dawson / No 10 Downing Street
The Chief Rabbi called Mitzvah Day, which, this year, chose the theme of “Stronger Together”, “one of the greatest initiatives of the British Jewish community. Thanks to Mitzvah Day, people are showing kindness and doing so many amazing things.”
In a flagship interfaith event, London Mayor Sadiq Khan packed “Create and Make” boxes filled with fresh vegetables for people supported by the Mayor’s Fund for London, joined by Deputy Mayor Debbie Weekes-Bernard and volunteers from the Jewish and Muslim networks at City Hall.
At north-west London’s Hammerson House care home, Bishop of Edmonton Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Progressive Judaism co-lead Rabbi Charley Baginksy and Imam Asim Hafiz, the Islamic religious advisor to the chief of the defence staff sorted and packed teabags to be delivered to Food Bank Aid, which supports 32 food banks in north-west London.
The intergenerational event, attended by both residents and local young people, included musical entertainment from Louis and Raphi Patterson, the sons of Mitzvah Day founder Laura Marks. She brought the concept over to the UK 19 years ago after coming across it in the US.
Louis, 30, told the JC: “This is such a nice thing to do. It feels like a wholesome activity in a world where not enough things are.”
His brother Raphi, 26, said: “It’s great to be able to come in and help the residents get some happiness. It’s just two hours of our time, yet it makes such a big impact.”
Imam Asim Hafiz, who has taken part in several Mitzvah Days and describes himself as “a serial Mitzvah Day person”, said that what attracted him to Mitzvah Day was that it was “a day of action driven by faith, charity, compassion, generosity and kindness”.
He added: “In Islam, there is the concept of Sadaqah, so, as a Muslim, I can relate to the Jewish idea of Tzedakah. Today is about universality and humanity, and it’s an opportunity to show solidarity between the two faiths and to work together to help those who are vulnerable.”
Reflecting on the challenges among faith groups in the UK since October 7, he said: “If we take all the politics away, the best way for people to come together is by doing something together.”
The Imam paid tribute to the many people who had continued to take part in interfaith work over the past year, saying: “Despite what people read in the headlines, most people at a community level have carried on building relationships and having dialogue.”
(l-r) Bishop of Edmonton Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah, Mitzvah Day founder Laura Marks, Imam Asim Hafiz, the Islamic religious advisor to the chief of the defence staff and Progressive Judaism co-lead Rabbi Charley Baginksy at a Mitzvah Day event at Hammerson House in north-west London (Photo: Yakir Zur)[Missing Credit]
Imam Hafiz’s words were echoed by Rabbi Baginsky, who told the JC: “It’s not an easy environment to begin interfaith relationships at the moment, but Mitzvah Day has become a vehicle to sustain them. It’s not about talking politics, but just about concentrating on what we’re doing to make the world a bit better.”
For the Bishop of Edmonton, Revd Canon Dr Anderson Jeremiah, it was his first Mitzvah Day. He said that in his role, he looks after four boroughs – Camden, Barnet, Haringey and Enfield – which included large Jewish, Muslim, Sikh and Hindu communities.
“We all seek the good of common humanity,” he said. “My role as a bishop of the Church of England is to see how we can play a positive part in building these communities, and actions such as Mitzvah Day help to foster understanding.”
Laura Marks said that it was impossible to take part in Mitzvah Day without thinking about Rabbi Zvi Kogan, the UAE Chabad rabbi, who was found murdered on Sunday in an alleged antisemitic attack. She said: “I understand that he was a man who did a lot of good deeds”.
Marks, who was attending the Hammerson House event, added that the past year had been “tough”, so it was “nice to do some normal, regular stuff today, specifically with a rabbi, a bishop and an imam”.
She pointed out that most of the activities taking place for Mitzvah Day were in aid of non-Jewish causes, including contributing to a number of church collections.
Another benefit of Mitzvah Day was that it was for all ages, said Marks. “My mum is 95, and her book group is collecting books for charity. Everyone can do something.”
Other key multi-faith events included a full day of activities for refugees in Cumbria, a cook-a-long organised by Edgware & Hendon Reform Synagogue and Neasden Temple, Harrow Interfaith’s litter collection and support for the warm food café at Moortown Baptist Church in Leeds.
Six organisations united for a community tea at Brighton & Hove Progressive Synagogue; there were collaborations between Northwood & Ruislip United Synagogue and Elim Church and meal preparation at the C4WS night shelter with Minister for Faith Lord Wajid Khan.
Mitzvah Day projects ran in 40 other countries around the world, including Germany, South Africa, Australia, Ukraine, Spain, Canada and across South America.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney and senior members of the Conservative Party were among those paying tribute to all those who took part.
The First Minster said: “There is so much that unites people of faith, and so much that we have in common. This day of social action recognises the centrality of community, of strong relationships, of compassion, and of reaching out a helping hand.”
Conservative MP Bob Blackman, secretary of the 1922 Committee, joined an interfaith gardening project run by Stanmore and Canons Park United Synagogue. He said: “Mitzvah Day is brilliant because it brings the whole community together to do things they may not usually be doing.”
Looking back over a hugely successful day, and a whole month of projects and events in the run-up, Mitzvah Day CEO Stuart Diamond said: “Mitzvah Day is a joyful experience that inspires people to give back to their communities. It's a reminder that even small acts of kindness can have a big impact."
